The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
1240/5(6833)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 1st MAY 2012
Question
Will the Chief Minister inform members how many States employees, by department, are currently employed on temporary contracts and how many of these are employed on zero-hours' contracts?
Will he further inform members of the reasons given by departments for the levels of temporary employment revealed and in particular of the justification for the use of zero-hours' contracts?
Does the Chief Minister condemn the use of zero-hours' contracts in both the public and private sectors and, if so, will he agree to work with his Minister for Social Security to eliminate their use?
Answer
Temporary fixed term contracts of employment are used to cover various operational requirements such as:
- To cover a permanent member of staff who is absent because of a period of sickness, maternity, or special leave;
- To cover seasonal resourcing requirements – ie the requirement does not exist at another time;
- Due to the fluctuation of pupil numbers and demographics within schools and colleges;
Temporary Fixed Term Contract Employees as at 31.03.2012 |
|
Department |
|
Chief Minister's Department | 18 |
Department of the Environment | 1 |
Economic Development | 1 |
Education, Sport & Culture | 120 |
Health & Social Services | 98 |
Home Affairs | 7 |
Housing | 3 |
Jersey Airport | 4 |
Jersey Car Parks | 2 |
Jersey Harbours | 3 |
Non Ministerial States Funded | 12 |
Social Security | 2 |
Transport and Technical Services | 5 |
Treasury and Resources | 7 |
Grand Total | 283 |
States of Jersey Zero Hour Employees paid during the month ending 31.03.2012
Department
Chief Minister's Department 2 Education, Sport & Culture 582 Health & Social Services 545 Home Affairs 17 Department of the Environment 3 Social Security 2 Transport and Technical Services 1 Non Ministerial States Funded 3 Jersey Airport 2 Grand Total 1157
Within the States of Jersey, Zero Hour contracts meet the organisation's need to provide a flexible pool of labour where additional work is required. Generally zero hour contracts are used to cover ad-hoc short term absence and to provide additional employees to meet other unforeseen demands. For example within Education Sport and Culture zero hour contracts are used to employ Supply Teachers, Lecturers, Teaching assistants, cleaning and caretaking staff to cover absence due to training courses, sick leave, or short term vacancies. Similarly within Health and Social Services zero hour contracts are issued to Bank Nurses and Health Care Assistants. Within the Home Affairs Department Tutors, Administrative support staff and Translators are also employed on a Zero hour contract basis.
The appropriate use of Zero Hour contracts in both the private and public sectors are essential and have the benefit of offering flexible working opportunities that employees appreciate.